Summer is a golden opportunity for art educators to refresh, refocus, and reignite their creativity. What better way to blend relaxation with professional growth than by planning your own art museum tour? Whether you’re road tripping or staying close to home, museum visits can become a source of inspiration for both your art and your teaching.
Here’s a streamlined guide to help you plan a meaningful, fun, and art-filled summer.
1. Set your intentions.
Before you hit the road, take a moment to define what you want from this experience. Are you seeking curriculum ideas, new artists to explore, or creative rejuvenation? Setting your intentions is a way to help you get the most out of your effort and experience. It’s also a way to add an unexpected twist to an “ordinary” art museum and give you something to look forward to on the calendar!
Here are two fun ways to shape your tour:
- Get hungry for art!
Seek out exhibits focused on food (either as the subject or medium), then treat yourself to a great meal. Create a sketch or journal entry inspired by what you saw and tasted. - Meet up with fellow art teachers.
Choose museums that are an easy day trip and plan in-person meetups with art educator friends you’ve connected with online. It’s a great way to swap ideas and refresh your perspective.
2. Curate a smart itinerary.
As we all know, summer flies by way too fast. By the time you get done with everything you put off during the school year, it’s time to think about going back to school! Don’t let an art museum tour become another thing you “have to do.” Instead, come up with a quick plan to maximize your energy and resources so you still have time to relax.
Don’t try to cram in too much. Aim for a balance of inspiration and downtime with these tips:
- Visit one or two museums per day—max.
A gentle pace allows you to absorb what you are seeing, rather than rushing through galleries. Give yourself permission to slow down and allocate time to reflect, sketch, or just wander. In addition to time inside the museum, be sure to soak up the sun wandering the grounds. - Mix it up!
Visit larger institutions and smaller local galleries for a change in pace and atmosphere. Big-name museums can dazzle with their vast collections, famous masterpieces, and world-class exhibitions. Smaller, local galleries often offer a more intimate and personal experience. - Seek out educator events or programs.
Many museums host summer workshops, lectures, or special tours designed specifically for educators. These often provide behind-the-scenes insights into exhibitions, hands-on artmaking experiences, and ready-to-use classroom resources. This is also a great way to meet other teachers!
3. Make it playful with a bingo board.
Are you ready to add a little playful purpose to your museum visits? Keep your museum days engaging and interactive by turning them into a game. Download the Art Museum Bingo Board below and turn every gallery walk into a quest! Once you’ve completed your board, head over to The Art of Ed Community to grab a special badge for your profile. Bookmark this resource because it also makes for a great field trip activity. It will prompt students to look more closely at art and think more deeply about art.
4. Document and share your experience.
Why keep all of your discoveries to yourself? Share them with other art lovers and art teachers! Chronicle them so you don’t forget the memories and learnings. Show your students your explorations in the fall. Get them excited for the world of art out there beyond the four walls of your classroom.
Record your journey with the ideas below to ensure the inspiration doesn’t end when summer does:
- Compile a travel log or journal.
Jot down insights, sketch ideas, or collect quotes that resonate with you. - Create a digital scrapbook or blog.
Snap photos (where permitted), and capture reflections and teaching ideas into a presentation or post. Share the link with others whom you think will benefit. - Post social media highlights.
Start a dedicated social media account to chronicle your trip. It’s a fun way to remember your adventures and engage others.
Planning your own art museum tour this summer is more than just a fun getaway—it’s a meaningful way to refuel your creativity, gather fresh ideas for your classroom, and reconnect with why you fell in love with art in the first place. Start by setting your goals—don’t overbook yourself and add a fun twist like the bingo board above! Why keep all of your amazing summer experiences to yourself? Record your discoveries and share them with others. Use this summer to invest in your artist side and build your teaching community.
Share your favorite art museum and what makes it special!
Do you have any insider tips or hacks when planning an art museum trip?
To chat about planning your own summer art museum tour with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
